Man trapped in burning home dies

STOCKTON - An elderly man found unconscious during a house fire Friday evening died Saturday afternoon, according to authorities.

The man, whose name will be released once his family is notified, was trapped inside a burning home in the 1800 block of Anita Street about 8:15 p.m., according to the Stockton Fire Department.

Fire officials say the man in his 70s likely succumbed to injuries related to smoke inhalation.

An investigation into the fire is under way, but preliminary findings point to the flames being sparked by a cigarette, said Art Ray, chief's operator for the Stockton Fire Department.

A den toward the back of the home sustained the brunt of the damage, Ray said. The man was found near the front door as fire crews forced the locked door open. It's likely the man was disoriented trying to escape, Ray said.